Prep for the future with JVC's RX-9010VBK digital surround receiver. Rated to deliver 120 watts to each of five channels, it has such forward-looking features as a front-panel USB port and an extended frequency response, rated from 7 Hz to 50 kHz ±3 dB, to handle the wider bandwidth of DVD-Audio. The receiver has five composite-, two component-, and five S-video inputs, one coaxial and three optical digital audio inputs, and a record loop for a CD burner. The AM/FM tuner has 45 presets, and the supplied RF universal remote can control many brands of gear. In addition, readouts from JVC components connected at the CompuLink jack -- CD Text from a disc changer, for example -- can be displayed on the receiver's front panel or in color on a TV screen. Price: $550. 800-526-5308, www.jvc.com
The Odyssey speaker brings together MartinLogan's patented electrostatic-panel technology with a pair of opposing low-frequency drivers. A 10-inch rear-firing woofer provides bass depth, while an 8-inch front-firing woofer fills in the upper bass/lower midrange. With the curved electrostatic panel providing the highs, overall frequency response is rated as 35 Hz to 22 kHz ±3 dB, sensitivity as 90 dB. The Odyssey weighs 105 pounds and measures 13 x 67 x 27 inches. Price: $6,000 a pair.
785-749-0133, www.martinlogan.com
Filling your room with sound is the Fisher SLIM-2000 minisystem's first job, but it can also fill that empty spot on your wall at no extra charge. Designed for vertical operation, it's just 4 3/4 inches deep. The three CD trays have independent transports and lasers, so you don't have to wait for a carousel to shuffle between discs. See-through motorized doors open and close with a touch of the supplied remote control. Other features include an AM/FM tuner with 40 presets, an alarm timer, an LCD readout, a headphone jack, and a subwoofer output. With both bass-reflex speakers -- whose removable grilles come in black, blue, and "merlot" -- the system measures 28 3/4 inches wide and 14 inches high. Price: $300.
818-998-7322, www.fisherav.com
Designed to store all the accessories a digital camera needs, Case Logic's padded DMC-1 carrying case, made of simulated leather, will help you avoid those "Forgot the batteries!" moments. The 3 1/2 x 61/4 x 1 1/4-inch case opens to reveal two mesh pockets and an elastic strap that can hold most digital memory cards. Four more elastic straps hold AA batteries. Price: $9.99. 800-447-4848, www.caselogic.com
